The Wave Glider (develped by Liquid Robotics and gifted to the lab by Dr Miguel Morales Maqueda) is a unique hybrid USV that converts wave energy into propulsion and uses solar energy for sensors, communications, and onboard computing. This dual‑energy system enables missions lasting up to 12 months, station‑keeping within a 30 m radius, and long‑distance transits at ~1.3 kts.

Designed for harsh ocean environments, Wave Gliders have operated through hurricanes, typhoons, doldrums, and high‑latitude conditions, providing unmatched endurance and survivability. They support real‑time satellite, cellular, and Wi‑Fi communications, enabling continuous situational awareness and rapid mission re‑tasking.

The platform features modular payload bays (up to seven on the SV3), multiple mounting locations, and towing capability up to 500 kg, making it suitable for environmental monitoring, defence and security, subsea acoustic sensing, climate research, and multi‑platform autonomous operations.